Do you use a tripod for landscapes?

[Robert Scott]

I'm conducting a vox pop for a piece I am writing for EOS magazine.

Do you use a tripod when photographing landscapes?

A simple yes or no would suffice, but I would also welcome comments about why you do, or do not, use a tripod.

If you sometime use a tripod and sometimes not, comments on that would be good, too.

Thanks for your help.

[Enigma]

Re: Do you use a tripod for landscapes?

Whenever possible I use a tripod because:

1) shaky hands
2) accurate composition
3) multi exposure for possible HDR merging
4) multi exposure for panorama stitching
5) makes no sense (to me) to hand hold a 5DS
6) only option when using ND for movement smoothing

[Nathaniel]

Re: Do you use a tripod for landscapes?

I hand hold for landscapes as (a) it is easier (b) I have steady hands (c) too cumbersome to carry a tripod.

[ColytonJohn]

Re: Do you use a tripod for landscapes?

I only use mine now for long exposures as modern stabilised lenses are generally good enough for hand holding and even while bracketing (at high-speed) I find a tripod unnecessary. I also like to take multiple images to stitch into panoramas and the delay caused by recomposing on a tripod would be only too obvious especially where any in-frame subject movement is present. The other reason is my tripod - an old aluminium Manfrotto that oozes quality - is just too heavy for dragging around the countryside.

Cheers,
John

[tesarver]

Re: Do you use a tripod for landscapes?

Yes I use my tripod, especially in low light situations as well for long exposure. I also tend to use it for HDR images as well.

Tom

[Colin]

Re: Do you use a tripod for landscapes?

No as like Nathaniel it is easier than carrying a tripod around and I can hold my camera steady enough. Even though I have a decent tripod I seldom use it for anything other than 'product' shots.

[AlexR!]

Re: Do you use a tripod for landscapes?

No, but then you wouldn't hold my landscape images up as something to aspire to. But I can't be bothered with the faff of carrying and then setting it up. I do any HDR as a high speed burst, which I find the software copes with very well. Even for longer exposure shots (i.e. urban night time landscapes) I have got some decent images just by resting on a convenient wall.

[bobowen]

Re: Do you use a tripod for landscapes?

Generally I don't use a tripod for landscape work finding IS lenses allow fairly slow shutter speeds. For a long exposure shot or where I need careful composition then I might if I've remembered to bring my tripod or I'm not far from home or the car!

As others have said there is usually a solid object around to help out.

Off topic slightly, I do a lot of Art Work photography and will use a tripod to get the optimum shutter speed/aperture/ISO combination but only where tripods are allowed.

Bob

[Treff]

Re: Do you use a tripod for landscapes?

Yes, I always use a tripod when using a dslr for landscape. It slows you down, makes you think a little more about the comp and what filters to use and of course pictures have less shake. Even with all the latest camera and lens gizmos you can not beat a good tripod. The camera is made to use with a tripod, that's why there is a big hole in the bottom. When on the tripod you can use the whole of shutter speed and aperture settings at whatever iso you choose. I try to take every pic with a view of it being a competition winner or to hang on the wall. Of course most go in the big bin lol. The last reason I put down to the red wine. lol

[Dave61]

Re: Do you use a tripod for landscapes?

Never use my tripod for lanscapes, as it is bulky to carry plus I can hand hold fine.

[ST-EOS]

Re: Do you use a tripod for landscapes?

If I'm going out to specifically make Landscape/Seascape images, then I will always have my Tripod with me, especially if I'm looking for long exposures. However if I'm just out for the day with family and friends and the camera is coming along then I probably wouldn't take/use a tripod

[Swanny48]

Re: Do you use a tripod for landscapes?

Yes, if going out specifically to take landscapes.

Yes, I always use a tripod when using a dslr for landscape. It slows you down, makes you think a little more about the comp and what filters to use and of course pictures have less shake. Even with all the latest camera and lens gizmos you can not beat a good tripod. I try to take every pic with a view of it being a competition winner or to hang on the wall. Of course most go in the big bin lol.

Sums up my views nicely, (except I don't enter club competitions)

John

[digiman]

Re: Do you use a tripod for landscapes?

If I'm going out to specifically make Landscape/Seascape images, then I will always have my Tripod with me, especially if I'm looking for long exposures. However if I'm just out for the day with family and friends and the camera is coming along then I probably wouldn't take/use a tripod

This is me exactly

[El Sid]

Re: Do you use a tripod for landscapes?

Mostly not.

I do occasionally use mine if I know the light is going to be low or there is some other reason that I need to use long shutter times. The rest of the time I find it an inconvenient, heavy and a complete faff to use.

I probably should use it more but I prefer mobility over clutter.

[Skyelines]

Re: Do you use a tripod for landscapes?

It never is a yes or no matter as it all depends on the circumstances.

If I'm going for a particular shot, always a tripod.

If I'm out walking for a photo opportunity then carry the tripod and use.

If just out for a walk and take the camera I make a tripod with my walking poles and my body.

If out scouting for locations and possible compositions for future shots it's handheld.